Here is a roundup of today`s key sports news, including the latest from the Stanley Cup Final, a look ahead to the U.S. Open, and updates from NFL minicamps.
Stanley Cup Final: Panthers Dominate Oilers in Game 3
The Florida Panthers delivered a powerful performance in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 6-1 to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The Panthers displayed impressive offensive depth and took full advantage of opportunities.
- Game 2 standout Brad Marchand quickly opened the scoring less than a minute into the game, followed by a power play goal from Carter Verhaeghe to make it 2-0 in the first period.
- While Corey Perry scored a power play goal for Edmonton, it was their only bright spot. Florida quickly responded with goals from Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett, pushing the lead to 4-1. Aaron Ekblad and Evan Rodrigues added third-period power play markers.
- This marks the Panthers` fourth win by five or more goals this postseason, tying for the second-most in a single NHL playoff run in history.
- The Oilers accumulated 85 minutes in penalties, tied for the third-highest total ever in a Stanley Cup Final game. Notably, this was the first game of the postseason where neither Connor McDavid nor Leon Draisaitl registered a point.
Austin Nivison noted that this game showcased Florida`s depth when Edmonton`s stars were contained. Six different Panthers scored, and 12 players recorded points, highlighting the team`s balanced attack.
Other Sports Highlights
Honorable Mentions
- Did Denzel Clarke make a potential catch of the year with an incredible home run robbery?
- Aaron Wiggins` strong Game 2 performance highlighted the Thunder`s impressive roster depth.
- There is reported “mutual intrigue” between Jason Kidd and the Knicks organization.
- Stefon Diggs is reportedly impressing Mike Vrabel; meanwhile, young Patriots pass catchers shined in drills without Diggs.
- With Nick Chubb joining the Texans, speculation arises whether he can continue the trend of running backs finding success with new teams after ACL surgery.
- Rome Odunze has reportedly gained significant muscle ahead of his second NFL year.
- Gary Parrish released his latest NBA mock draft.
- The College World Series bracket is now finalized.
- Brad Crawford shared five key thoughts on the recent House v. NCAA settlement.
- Adam Silver suggested the NBA might bring back the large Larry O`Brien trophy logo to NBA Finals courts next year.
- The Liberty and Lynx maintain their undefeated status, ranking first and second respectively in Jack Maloney`s WNBA Power Rankings.
Not So Honorable Mentions
- Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a quad strain, having missed five consecutive games.
- Satou Sabally publicly criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert regarding the league`s scheduling.
- Darius Garland underwent toe surgery and is expected to miss several months, potentially impacting the start of the 2025-26 season.
- The Packers released talented but injury-prone cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is now considered the top cornerback available and is drawing significant interest from other teams. Potential landing spots are being discussed, alongside analyses suggesting Green Bay`s secondary may still be strong without him.
- The Bengals are releasing team captain and leading tackler Germaine Pratt, prompting discussions about Cincinnati`s next steps.
- There is speculation that Novak Djokovic`s tennis retirement could happen sooner than expected.
U.S. Open Preview: Key Storylines and Sleepers
The toughest test in golf is fast approaching, set to take place at arguably the world`s hardest course, Oakmont Country Club. Famous for its challenging features like the `church pew` bunkers and extremely difficult rough, Oakmont will host the 125th U.S. Open.
Many see Scottie Scheffler as the player best equipped to handle Oakmont`s demands. With three wins in his last four starts, including the PGA Championship, Scheffler is considered the prohibitive favorite. Patrick McDonald highlighted Scheffler`s current peak form and how his preparation this year, with a week`s rest, differs favorably from last year`s U.S. Open.
While Scheffler is the clear favorite, looking for potential sleepers, Robby Kalland suggested considering the hottest player not named Scheffler: Ben Griffin (55-1 odds). Griffin has achieved impressive recent finishes (T8, 1st, 2nd) in high-level events, showing an ability to handle tough courses like the Memorial.
Reigning champion Bryson DeChambeau, who won dramatically at Pinehurst No. 2 last year and has top-six finishes in the last five U.S. majors, is also a player drawing attention and leading lists of players to root for.
Additional points of interest for the tournament include:
- Examining trends to help pick a potential winner.
- This U.S. Open is likely the last for Phil Mickelson, the only major he has yet to win.
- Joaquín Niemann enters another major in excellent form from LIV Golf, raising questions about whether he can translate that success.
- Xander Schauffele commented that fans attending the event likely want to see players “suffer” on the demanding course.
MLB Prospect Roman Anthony Makes Long-Awaited Debut for Red Sox
The era of Roman Anthony has officially begun in Boston. The highly-touted prospect was called up and made his debut, though it wasn`t the perfect start he might have envisioned. In a Red Sox loss to the Rays, Anthony went 0 for 4 with a walk and an RBI, also committing an error.
The 21-year-old had been excelling in Triple-A, posting impressive numbers including a .288/.423/.491 slash line, 10 home runs, and a strong walk-to-strikeout ratio. He recently hit a remarkable 497-foot grand slam. R.J. Anderson explained why Anthony is so highly regarded:
Anthony`s ability to hit the ball hard with a favorable line-drive trajectory (average launch angle of 9.4 degrees) suggests potential for both high batting average and 30+ home run power annually, similar to players like Fernando Tatis Jr. He also possesses a patient approach at the plate, which should lead to working counts and drawing walks.
The fantasy baseball implications of Anthony`s promotion are also being analyzed.
Biggest Storylines for Mandatory NFL Minicamps
Mandatory minicamps are beginning for most NFL teams this week. While players can be fined for skipping, some notable absences are expected, though the Cowboys received good news on two key players, and Kirk Cousins is anticipated to attend Falcons camp.
These minicamps are the final team practices before training camp begins in about a month and a half, serving as a crucial period to build a foundation for the upcoming season.
Garrett Podell highlighted key storylines for each NFC team. For the 49ers, a major focus is on how star running back Christian McCaffrey looks. McCaffrey dealt with injuries in 2024, and his health and participation in minicamp are key indicators for a team looking to rebound after a disappointing season following a Super Bowl loss.
In the AFC, quarterback news has been prominent. Tyler Sullivan is focusing on how Aaron Rodgers will perform in his initial practices with the Steelers, a significant change after his recent focus has been elsewhere.
Upcoming Sports Schedule (Tuesday)
- MLB: Yankees at Royals
- Soccer: USMNT vs. Switzerland
- WNBA: Sky at Liberty
Elton Marrow 
Torin Vale